Why this gynaecologist wants us all to stop wearing underwear

Written By The Good Housekeeping Web team | 27 September 2017

Commando it is, then.

There can be something quite freeing about going out commando. But while ditching your undies is usually only done for aesthetic purposes - when even seamless knickers won't cut it and you're still left with a VPL - one gynaecologist reckons there's another reason we should all start doing it.

Speaking to Health.com, gynaecologist Donnica Moore, MD put her case forward for living a no-knickers life.

'It's not good to always have the lady parts locked up,' she said, explaining that 'they need air like all other parts of your body.' The thing is, going commando while wearing a skirt is an extremely brave move - especially on a windy day.

Women may have been wearing underwear for years, but the gynaecologist suggests the build up of heat and sweat in your crotch area could potentially increase your risk of a yeast infection, especially if you're opting for lacy or non-breathable fabric.

Moore does acknowledge the potential risks of ditching your underwear, saying: 'You run the risk of irritation and chafing when you wear garments not meant to come into contact with your vulva.' Like jeans, for example; they're far from soft.

Apparently, irritating fabrics such as these without underwear 'can lead to very small nicks in the skin that act as portals for bacteria,' but she believes the risk of this doesn't outweigh the benefits of living a new, commando life.

It's obviously up to you whether you follow her advice, but if so, maybe you could start by taking it one step at a time - like wearing no knickers when you sleep, for example - and seeing how you get on from there instead of throwing out your underwear drawer in one seriously impulsive move.

While going commando in pursuit of a thrush-less vagina might seem a tad extreme, so you can also avoid your risk of thrush by...